A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Rijeka for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bilbao or Rijeka?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bilbao and Rijeka. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Rijeka?

Both Rijeka and Bilbao have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Rijeka is known for its food and beaches. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Bilbao different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rijeka and Bilbao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bilbao or Rijeka?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Is the Food Better in Bilbao or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rijeka is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bilbao and Rijeka.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Many people head to Rijeka for the nightlife scene. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a town with a few options for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Rijeka?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly town. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Bilbao and Rijeka both good destinations for a couple.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Rijeka is a good city for couples to visit. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Rijeka are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Students?

Bilbao and Rijeka are good places to visit for students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Bilbao or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Bilbao and Rijeka both are good when exploring on foot.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

Rijeka is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Rijeka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bilbao or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bilbao than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

Families should spend more time in Rijeka than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rijeka, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bilbao than Rijeka. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bilbao that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Rijeka if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bilbao.

One day in Bilbao or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bilbao or Rijeka?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bilbao or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bilbao or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Rijeka. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Rijeka, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Rijeka.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bilbao Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Rijeka?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Rijeka, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bilbao or Rijeka?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bilbao or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bilbao is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the spring, Bilbao is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Rijeka. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Bilbao